90LS400

I have a 1990 LS400 and have always received a loaner car from my local dealer when I go there for service, diagnostics, etc. This is not the dealer that sold the car. So far, I've driven the 2005 GS and the 2006 ES as loaners.

Hello, I had the exact same problem with my 1990 so I can probably help you out here. Here are the symptoms I was experiencing: Some white smoke was coming out of the exhaust when the car was started. Interior lights and radio would sometime blink or go out intermittently. It was using a lot of Power Steering fluid, just like you mentioned. When I researched this forum, I found out that the PS Pump will begin leaking usually after your car has passed 100K miles. This problem is compounded by the fact that the PS Pump sits directly over your alternator. Guess where all that PS Fluid is going when it leaks? Directly into the alternator. In my case, the car died completely on an interstate highway and I had to have it towed to my mechanic's shop. Here's what I had to have done: Had to get a new alternator and battery. The existing alternator had been ruined by the PS Fluid leaking into it. This is what caused the car to cut off. New high pressure hose (expensive). New power steering pump. As an alternative, you could rebuild the Power Steering pump since this will stop the leak the majority of the time. It is less expensive, but you would be taking the risk that the leak would reoccur. Hope that helps....

Hello, I experienced a similar problem with the 1990 LS400 I have. The problem is that the remote receiver that is located in the car is defective. Apparently this is a "known issue" with the 1st GEN LS models. Someone had a thread about this same thing but I couldn't find it to put the link in. In my opinion, you have two options: Take it to Lexus and ask them to replace the remote receiver. This is going to set you back $500+ but you will be able to use the "original" key. Buy an aftermarket Alarm / Remote Key / Trunk package for approximately $200 - $250 installed. In my case, I found a Viper system at Best Buy and had them put it in. This gave me Remote Start, Alarm, Remote Key, & Remote Trunk Release. For my situation, it just seems like a better deal since I didn't really care about using the original key and got the Remote Start capability also. Hope that helps...

Thank you sirs for the excellent feedback! :) Using the diagram above, I was able to gain access to the blower motor and fix the problem. I definately agree that is very awkward getting some of the screws out. After about 1.5 hours, I dropped the blower out of the enclosure and removed a handful of what looked like fiberglass insulation (?) and some pine straw. It works fine now and the noise has gone away. Lexus would've charged for 3-4 hours labor so this information saved me at least $300!!

Do either of you have any pictures or diagrams on where exactly this fan is? Are there any special tools needed, or do I just need basic screwdrivers?

All: My 1990 LS400 has developed a noise when the fan kicks on for the Heat/AC system. The local dealer here says the problem is with the Blower Motor; either something is in the fan or the motor is itself is beginning to go out. They were able to print out a drawing of the part which shows the fan and motor (#87103A - $394) or just the fan (#87143C - $50 appx.). The noise itself seems to be coming from the passenger side, either directly behind the glove box or underneath it. Two questions: (1) Has anyone else experienced this problem? (2) How do I get access to the fan so I can verify that there isn't simply a piece of paper or leaves that are in there? This forum has a lot of wizards so I'm sure that someone has the answer. ;)

I just moved to Northern Virginia, about 30 miles West of Washington D.C. , and was looking for an alternative to Pohanka Lexus in Chantilly. Prior to moving, I used to take my 1990 LS400 to Exact Auto Performance, just outside of Kansas City. One of the last things they told me was that I need to get the lower ball joints replaced, both sides. I called a local Toyota dealer and they gave me a price of "just under $500" for the work and an alignment. I did read the other DIY forum on lower ball joints. Since I am not mechanically inclined, I want the peace of mind of knowing that its done right. Please let me know if you can recommend anyone in this area. Thank you.